The first purpose of the big holes we dug was of course to give the roots of the trees the space to develop well.
But after adding all the rich nutrients to the hole and giving the trees a new home, we use these spaces as a mini garden. Based on agroforestry principles, we plant multiple productive plants in the same area. So we don't only grow a tree, but we also produce veggies and fruits! We plant plants of different heights, all serving their own purpose while imitating the processes of nature. Bushes like Medronho and Myrtle, and the leaves of the Strawberry, Zucchini, Pumpkin and Physalis plants and herbs will create shade for the soil around the tree. Flowers will attract insects and give the minigarden some more colour. The Cactus and Boldo plant serve as biomass producers: their leaves are perfect mulch material- and the cactus produces amazing fruits too!
And all of the plants will help the development of the soil and the tree and produce something beneficial. And you only have to water one spot!
Creating forests while producing and using the cleverness of nature!